Mini hiatus while I'm home on break. I'm very busy! Happy Holidays!

I will always stand up for something I feel strongly about and will not feel bad about it. Where would we be if everyone kept quiet?

I FINISH!

I'm finally all done with my first term at PSU. I turned in all my final projects on Friday and have just been relaxing, shopping, and working since. I don't get to go home until the 19th because I'm staying for work :(

This is the final version of my Best Coast gig poster. Check out my flickr for other things that I've been doing all term.

Music: Runaway - Kanye West

Baby, Baby, Baby

I'm officially done with classes! Yay! Now it is final season and I'm locked up in my room (minus going to work) finishing my projects. In a couple days I will be off to the printshop and then ACTUALLY free from school!

This is what I do for homework. What do you do?

Music: One Less Lonely Girl - Justin Bieber

Thoughtful

IT'S THANKSGIVING! What does that mean? It means we eat til we can eat no more, wait, and eat more!!!!! No, no, no. I want to take this time to really think about what Thanksgiving is for: being grateful for all of the wonderful things we have in our lives. This past year (and a half almost) I feel like I've really grown up and began to appreciate things I've been taking for granted. This Thanksgiving (or rather, now) I want to list just a few things I'm really thankful for.
1) My Parents: In todays world it is rare to go through your entire life (or even childhood) with both of your parents by your side and in the same house. I used to think that my parents didn't care about me and just counted down the days until I would go to college and move out. I accepted it because I was pretty independent from a fairly young age, and I thought if I just tried to be tough about it I could be an adult from age 16 and do things alone. I was wrong. My parents didn't want me to move out because they were sick of me. They wanted me to go to college and become an adult so they could be proud and watch me succeed; a guarantee that they taught me well. And they did. I'm only a sophomore in college (or really ALREADY) but I am just seeing now, after many life changing mistakes, twists and turns in the continuing journey, that I just might have what it takes, that my parents have always been there for me, will always do their best to be there for me, and I couldn't be more thankful for all the opportunities they have worked hard to provide for me, my brother and our family even through imperfections, disagreements, and hardships.
2) My Friends: Now, I do know a lot of people, but I wouldn't consider every single one of them "my friend". The people this is directed at will know who they are. I admit, I can be very difficult, disagreeable, harsh, and even down right mean with the best of them. But the important thing is that deep down inside I am a good person and there are a few friends I've met in my short 19 years of life who have really made me see that I must be a good person. How? Because they are the greatest of people. I gravitate towards these amazing people who love me and are there for me even when I'm awful to them. They remind me of the capacity to be good, to care about others, and to forgive and look past the flaws and appreciate that people in the world are beautiful and just want to be nice if you let them. They've put up with all my crap for years, and for that I thank them. Thank you for giving me 2nd, 3rd, even sometimes 4th chances and never giving up on me, being there when it means the most, and reminding me that there are great people in the world and teaching me how to be one of them.
3) My Creativity: This sounds awful and conceited, but where would we be if no one believed in themselves? This past year has been difficult. I went from accepting that I was mediocre to, just very recently, realizing my true potential. I'm thankful that I am very creative. My mind is constantly moving and creating. Whether its ideas are useful or not, it never stops. Being creative and making beautiful things is something I enjoy and I'm thankful to be capable. I realize that not everyone is and it is a gift.
4) Less Important Things That Make My Life Enjoyable: being an American, Harry Potter, the indie music scene, golden iphone covers, chicken nuggets, fashion magazines, funny Jewish boys, etc., etc., etc.

Think about what you are (or should be) thankful for this Thanksgiving. Even share if you'd like! I'd love to hear!

And I hope you enjoy the holiday whether you are alone, with friends, or family.

All I care about right now. Midnight, tomorrow.

The Nine to Five

Sorry for the lack of updates. Not too much has been happening and I've been really busy. I suppose that is kind of a paradoxical statement. Mina was here this past weekend. She came to visit Sarah, Elise, and me and we had our fair share of adventures. I'll blog more about that trip when she posts the pictures.
But yesterday I did start my new job. I am now an employee at Gap Kids/baby at Pioneer Place Mall! From 7AM-12PM we had training. That mostly consisted of us sitting in the back room reading from these company manuals about nonsense and then watching a cheesy interactive video about the Gap Card. Some girl called in sick during our training and I picked up her shift.
Here is what I've learned so far:
1. The Gap Card is thee best company credit card with thee best benefits (heavy sarcasm). No lie, it has great benefits if you are a loyal Gap customer, but the video we watched made it sound like God himself would only recommend a Gap Card and no other.
2. You fold A LOT. And that is an understatement. The job pretty much is greet customers when they come in, help them if they want it, which they usually don't, and fold things that are already folded.
3. Only the cutest people come into Gap Kids. They are either cute children, dressed super stylish (accompanied by parents of course) or they are little old ladies buying gifts for their grandchildren.
4. If you like music associated with Disney then you should go into a Gap Kids store, or work at one. They play the Jonas Brothers, High School Musical, Demi Lovato, and then other kid favorites like Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift.
5. Adults like to come into Gap Kids and see if they fit into the biggest sizes because everything is so damn cute!!!!

Music: Warpaint, Pocahaunted, and Atlas Sound

Draft of my Gig Poster project for Art 118. Band: Best Coast.

Long Live the 90's

Yesterday was a jam packed day. Sam and I went to Sushi, then Portland's Largest Garage Sale, then to Will Bryant's art show, then to dinner with her friend Ty, and then out to the Matador with some other people. The most important parts were the garage sale and the art show.

The garage sale was at the Expo Center and basically was exactly what it sounds like. You pay $4 to get in and then have free range of this huge warehouse of people set up selling their stuff. I got a gold zipper necklace, pokemon and other watch, cool picture of a boy riding a horse, and an old film camera with a leather case. Total (not including entry fee) I spent only like $5. What a deal! The camera should work, maybe with a spare part or two. Either way I'm very happy with my purchases.

The Will Bryant show was awesome. Will Bryant is a Graphic Designer based in Austin, TX who does all these really cool doodle-like drawings of geometric designs, cool dudes, an just fun stuff. He's pretty obsessed with the Chicago Bulls (circa the 90's and Michael Jordan), Space Jam, and likes gold, glitter, and ridiculousness as much as I do. I got to see him give a presentation at school on Thursday and then decided to go to his show opening last night with Sam. I talked to him about how I'm sort of just starting in GD and he told me about how the possibilities are endless and he signed my postcard. This guy is super inspiring and I want to be him when I grow up. No joke.

These are the goodies I got at the show. Signed postcard, Michael Jordan business card, Care Free Cola button, Banana Dood button, and custom Scout Book with stamps (all free!)

Check out Will Bryant at www.willbryant.com

Music: Space Jam Soundtrack

Little Monsters

I know Halloween is actually today but because I am a dedicated and responsible college student, I had my crazy fun yesterday because Sunday nights are not for crazy-ness. In honor of my 2nd favorite holiday (my first being Hanukkah) I dressed as Karen O (the lead singer of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs).

Sam helped me with the really cool face paint and I wore bright magenta tights, a short black dress, black jacket, cut off gloves, and short boots. Not gonna lie, it was pretty bad ass. For festivities we chose to go to a party at this church that some people live in. It was great fun. There was a band from San Francisco there. We all passed around the tambourine and danced. A great time was had by all. Tonight I'm going with Erika and Sereane to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show live!

Music: Gold Lion - The Yeah Yeah Yeahs

BUSY! BUSY!

This week I've really begun to feel the ups and downs of being in school, trying to balance fun and responsibility. Thursday was especially busy and my outlook was not very good because I've been sick all week. (My second time already since I've been in Portland!). Luckily things turned out a lot better than expected.
Here is how Thursday went down, in list form, of course:
8AM-9AM Environmental Science Lab: I actually got my ass up this week to make it to my lab. I was afraid my group would be mad at me for missing the last 2 weeks but to my relief they were not! We got some assignments, decided when to meet next, and left. Best part is there is no lab for the next 2 weeks!
10AM-10:30AM Academic Counseling Appointment: After lab I rushed back to my room to blow my nose 100 times and make myself a little more presentable for the public. Ironically, both times I've met with my academic counselor I've been sick. But the appointment went well. I LOVE MY COUNSELOR! He is very cute and his name is Ben. I told him about how I've decided to stay a Graphic Design major but add a Writing minor (consider this a formal announcement of my decision). He was very enthusiastic about the decision and helpful. I did find out that it will be very unlikely that I get out in 4 years but that's ok. I'm going to be a Graphic Designer!
12PM-1PM Psychiatric Phone Appointment: My counselor from Sacramento and I had a phone chat. I'm making progress and I hope to keep things going.
2PM-2:30PM Gap Interview: I had a job interview at Kids Gap!!! The manager, Jill, seems pretty eager and I really hope I get the job. The interview went well (as far as I can tell) and they are going to call me this week. Keep your fingers crossed!

It's Halloween this weekend and I'm hoping my sickness will be gone in time for some fun on Saturday. I'll take lots of pictures so look out for that!

Music: BEST COAST! BEST COAST! (missed seeing them because I was too sick. BOO.)

Take Your Medicine

On Wednesday night I went with Hanna and Sam to the Roseland to see my favorite Portland band, STARFUCKER! I'm not exactly sure why, but Starfucker is my favorite Portland band, which is crazy because so many amazing bands come from Portland. But they win because they sing my favorite song in the world: Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second. The song is my favorite for a few reasons. It leads in with some heavy bass beats at a mellow tempo; just right for swaying to the beat and bobbing your head. (I also like to add some arms waving around in the air, very hippie-ish). Then come the whispery vocals. I guess I just love how the song is really interesting but still just really easy to listen to and enjoy.

But anyway. The show was AMAZING fun. They dressed up in women's dresses with wigs and make-up. Everyone just danced like crazy!!! There are few things better than hearing some of your favorite music being played live, at high volume, and feeling it with an entire crowd of people.

Photos by Sam Hackerson

Music: Starfucker

Surveyed

Most people don't know this about me: I love to stick my tongue out in pictures!
My favorite music: anything with heavy synth, the 808, heavy profanity, whispering voices. But I mostly like fun indie bands (with cute indie boys)

Random: My ultimate, fantasy dream is to be the front woman of an all male band.
I collect: pictures from magazines to hang on my walls. There are not enough walls in the world to cover with pictures of all the beautiful things.
Favorite song right now: Bratty B - Best Coast, Monster - Kanye West ft. Jay-Z, RIck Ross, Bon Iver, and Nicki Minaj, and Lessons Learned - Matt & Kim
Favorite quote: currently "Wherever you go, there you will be." It's something I've really been battling this past year.
If you could trade places with anyone it would be: Katy Perry because she is marrying Russell Brand, the woman about to marry Seth Rogen, or Emma Watson for the sake of being one of the most beautiful, interestingly normal women ever.
90210 or Gossip girl?: Gossip Girl !!!!! New 90210 is not good but re-runs on soap net are the best :D
The happiest moment in life: I feel like the day I graduated from high school was the best day of my life. I really felt accomplished and that my parents were legitimately proud of me for something.
It's Cheesy, but I like: Sheriff Woody A LOT. I have multiple dolls, toy story notebooks, pez dispenser, fruit snacks, etc.
The one food I could eat forever is: CHICKEN!!!! and I completely intend to.
My secret celebrity crush is: Well its not really a secret but I really want to marry Russell Brand or Seth Rogen...or both...
I'm addicted to: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and reading Teen Vogue
My favorite actress is: Kirsten Dunst - She is beautiful and all her movies are beautiful to watch
If I were an animal, I'd be: An owl. They are my favorite animal and my Dad always tells me I'm an old soul.
The one thing I spend too much money on: clothes. DUH.
I wish I could Splurge on: clothes. DUH.
I'm disappointed about: A lot of small things, but they are all things that I've got to learn to accept.

Mike Perry

I've been pretty busy with school. In my GD classes we're working on some pretty fun projects. The most recent one is a post card for a designer of our choice. I chose Mike Perry, someone I've recently become fascinated by. He's a Brooklyn based dsigner by way of Kansas City, KS. His work is super illustrative, a lot of hand drawn type, color, and geometric things. I love it's energy. Here's a mood board I made as part of our project.

Music: Merriweather Post - Animal Collective

Facebook Me

I'm sure you are all familiar with the internet social networking sensation, Facebook. Did you know that the Facebook corporation is worth $65 billion? Well I now do thanks to the film The Social Network, starring Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Timberlake, and breakout star Andrew Garfield. The film weaves through the tale of genius, computer programming, Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg (Eisenberg) and his idea to create an exclusive social networking website for all of the students of Harvard. He invites his business savvy best friend Eduardo Saverin (Garfield) to fund the project as CFO of the project and of course when they mix business with pleasure things get sticky. The site gains popularity, as do the boys, and things get tricky when a group of prominent Harvard students accuse Zuckerberg of stealing their idea for the site. Zuckerberg, a man some might say is too intelligent, swayed by Napster founder Justin Parker (Timberlake) and sucked up in corporate confusion, finds himself facing two multi-million dollar lawsuits from both his best friend Eduardo and the other Harvard students. The film is both intrigueing in plot and style. Sequences between anecdotal flashbacks and deposition questioning build tension and keep you fiending for more information every second. Jesse Eisenberg proves himself as the neurotic Zuckerberg to be more than just "another Michael Cera" and Timberlake also shows he has taken some notes since his Model Behavior days. As for Andrew Garfield, we all should watch out for this blooming talent. Whether you see it for the good-looking talent or the intriguing story of the website that is shaping the new generation, I highly recommend that everyone see The Social Network. Out in theaters everywhere!!!

School Daze

Yesterday was my first day of classes at PSU. I decided to take a classic "first day of school" picture of myself since my parents obviously weren't here to do it. My classes weren't too bad. One of them (Computer Graphics for GD) seems a little behind my level but the teacher is funny/interesting and you can always learn new things from new teachers. The second (Intro to Communication Design) looks like it might kick my ass but the projects seem really cool. We are already beginning the steps to create our own typefaces. The teacher is super cool/cute and I am already formulating a mini crush on him (but he's married).


Today was not as fun. Environmental Science turned out to be a hybrid class and a lab science. That means we only meet once a week, have online stuff, and I had to add an 8am lab to my schedule. I tried to crash a French class and after 2 hours of frying my brain with basic French phrases I was let down and unable to add the class. Frustrated and tired, my new friend Erika and I went to Powell's (so I could do an assignment. Yes, my HW was to go to Powell's Books.) and decided to stop at VooDoo donuts along the way. Best idea EVER!!!! I got the coveted Bacon Maple Bar (exactly what it sounds like: Maple Bar with strips of bacon on top!) and Erika got a cute little VooDoo doll donut. Needless to say that cheered me up :D

Music: Yea Yeah - Matt & Kim

We had to make flickrs for my ART 120 class so you can check it out if you want. Its only my design stuff from that class so its good ;D
www.flickr.com/amyalbertson (link to the right)

The New School

Saturday I moved into my new dorm room at PSU. The move went surprisingly well considering there are 15 floors of frenzied students trying to cram all their junk into tiny, shared rooms. To my relief, all of my stuff (even my clothes) fit and I am pretty satisfied with my set up so far. The people here are really friendly, for the most part, and my roommate is really nice. Everyone on my floor seems to be eager to hangout and I'm feeling pretty comfortable even though it has only been 2 days. I've even found friends with a TV who share my guilty pleasure television choices. All quite a relief after my CCA experience. I look forward to starting classes and meeting even more people and exploring more of Portland!

I ran into a small problem while decorating my room. For some reason no types of tape would stick to my walls....but I tried again today and it stuck so we'll see. I cannot live in a colorless world! I need to look at beautiful things.

Today began what they call "Viking Days". Its a bunch of planned activities and information sessions which go on the first week. Unfortunately I missed a few this morning because I was too lazy to get up but I'm looking forward to doing some more stuff the rest of the week.

Music: Ashley - The Dodos

Today is Weird

LAST CALL FOR SACRAMENTO!!! Today's my last day. Tomorrow morning my parents are taking me to Portland and I'm moving into the dorms at PSU. I've been waiting about 5 long months for this. Part of me doesn't want to leave. Luckily a bigger part of me knows that this fresh beginning and new place will be great. I know it is up to me to make it amazing for myself, and that is exactly what I plan to do!

CALIFORNIA I SHALL MISS YOU DEARLY!

Music: Sleigh Bells and Best Coast

Remembering

Nine years ago today one of the most tragic events in American history took place. Nine years ago Islamic terrorists high jacked 4 airplanes, two of which were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City.

I can't exactly say that I'm glad that I was alive to experience the trauma America went through during this event, but I do remember where I was. I was just ten years old, in the 5th grade, and I was sitting in the car waiting for my mom to take me to school when she rushed out, her face contorted with worry, turned on the car and turned the radio to the news station. She had just gotten off the phone with my dad and I asked her what he wanted. She said that airplanes had just crashed into The World Trade Center. Now I was old enough to understand that airplanes crashing into buildings was obviously out of the ordinary, but "The World Trade Center", "The Twin Towers", these elusive phrases my mother, the people on the radio, and my teachers at school would keep using throughout the day meant nothing to me. I was ten. I had no idea what the The World Trade Center was and that everything I was hearing was the description of a beyond horrific, unimaginable event coming true.

I now know just how important those two massive buildings were. I understand that they were full of Americans working for other Americans. I understand that the bravest men and women in the world died running into the falling, burning building to try to save the people trapped inside. I now understand (hardly) that thousands of innocent lives were lost because a few extremists full of the worst hate decided to commit such an awful act of terrorism. Terror is the word used to describe it, but words can hardly express the gravity of what happened.

Every year for the last nine years of my life, on this day, the 11th day of September, news channels play the footage of those airplanes crashing into those towers and I sit beside my dad with tears trailing down both of our faces for all of the people who died unexpectedly, for all of the people who knew they were probably were going to die going in but did it anyway to help other, for all of the soldiers who ended up fighting in the longest war in American history after the fact, and for all of America who was struck with terror just like us on this day nine years ago.

Music: I Won't Back Down - Tom Petty

Sound of Music

So lately my life has been pretty uneventful. I'm counting down the days until I move to Portland and school starts. I'm actually pretty eager to start going to school, although I'm sure as soon as I start having homework and tests I'll say the opposite. Life is kind of boring and in a stand still, but something exciting is that I recently added a bunch of new music to my iTunes library!

Things I Recently Added/Have Been Listening To:

1) Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World Soundtrack (especially tracks by Sex Bob Omb and Black Sheep by Metric)

2) The Pretty Reckless (surprisingly raw and amazing)

3) Best Coast

4) Katy Perry's Teenage Dream album

5) The XX

6) Sleigh Bells

All are great. Depending on who you are, I'm sure you're bound to like at least one of them.

PIcture of Your Favorite Candy

If you're unfamiliar with these sweet treats, they are 1: Swedish Fish, 2: Peanut M&Ms, and 3: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Swedish fish are my favorite candy in the whole world because they taste delicious (a subdued cherry sort of flavor. not too sweet.), are chewy, gummy candies but aren't too gummy or too squishy, and they are shaped like fish!!!!! Of course, I'm a sucker for the peanut butter-chocolate combo and that is why I love me some reese' and peanut M&Ms.

I originally tried to photograph the swedish fish in a plastic bag filled with water, like the fish you win at carnivals or the state fair. That didn't really work because candy fish don't float :(

Music: Cmon - Chester French

:D

Day 5: What Inspires You

I love all things Nautical (hence the blog 4 months at sea, although, yes, that is a song lyric from Brand New's Play Crack in the Sky). Anchors, stripes, boats, birds, whales, waves, water, etc., etc. Sail boats in particular are my favorite. I think I enjoy the idea of them the most because to me they are these big, beautiful apparatuses, man made, but dependent on nature. They can only go where the wind blows. Its a good metaphor for life I like to think. And the ocean is such a mystery. Yep. So I love sail boats and their large, stark sails blowing in the wind inspires me. I hope someday, when I'm older, to live in the bay (or near a body of water) and have my own huge sail boat where I can spend hours on the water because I will be retired and have all the time in the world.

Prepare to Fight!

I recently ventured to the movies to see Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (twice already) and I've got to say, IT ROCKED MY WORLD!! Here's a list of 5 great reasons I'm loving SPVW and why you should go check it out yourself.

Reasons I LOVE Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World:
1. Michael Cera is such a BAD ASS in it.
2. Ramona Flowers is awesome, and worthy of these epic battles.
3. All of the Evil-exes (and even all of the characters) are great characters. You know how I love me some strong characters.
4. The special, video game effects are great. They make the movie even more fun.
5. IT IS HIIIIIIILARIOUS!!!!!! I was LOLing all over the place for the entire 1 hr and 53 mins both times I watched it. As were my mother, brother, and friends.

P.s. It's so good that I'm most likely going to see it again with other friends who have yet to enjoy the fun and entertainment that is Scott PIlgrim Vs. The World.

Music: Napoleon Says - Phoenix

Ring Ring!

I realize that almost literally no one reads this blog, and it is afterall MY blog, so I can legitimately write whatever I wants. So that's what I'm about to do. I'm warning you now that this is a post that you probably won't want to read or give a fuck about. That's ok. I give a fuck, and it's my blog.

Yesterday I had one of the most excruciating headaches of my life. Overreaction. That's what that sounds like. But it was actually really, really, really painful (three really's, yea). Massaging my face/temples, being quiet, closing my eyes, etc.; nothing worked. I felt bad because I was actually out at a movie and then dinner with my friend Mike, all of which got cut short because I needed to get home in order to consume massive ammounts of Advil and pass out. So that's what I did. I went home, struggled to unlock the door, in some sort of dizzy, feverish, nauseous fit at this point, took three Advil Liquid Gels (an average dose for me as I get frequent migraines), went upstairs and rolled around in my bed until I passed out. I woke up in a daze, about an hour or so later, to a duller throbbing in my face all around my left eye, crusted drool on my pillow, and hairs clinging to the back of my sweaty neck. My thoughts: WTF that/this sucks.
Why does this event have any relevance to my life? It doesn't really, but I'm about to use it as a shitty segue into something I discovered this morning when I woke up. I actually woke up twice, the first because it was blazing hot in my bed (one of the great perks of a loft bed in the summer) so I moved to my parents room to sleep a few more hours. The second time I woke up was actually less than an hour ago. I, for God only knows what reason, decided I should go online and look at the PSU Graphic Design blog because that is what our advisor told us. This first part wasn't such a bad idea. Some of the projects looked pretty neat. I can see that the school does sort of manufacture a style, which sort of makes me mad when schools do that, but it was a style I mostly liked and wouldn't mind taking on. But anyway, the second thing I decided to do is more connected to my headache anecdote. I decided to click on the Sophomore Review link and see exactly what I have to be prepared for, as I will be up for the Sophomore Review at the end of this academic year. I click. I read. HOLY FUCKING SHIT. This Sophomore Review is what I'd like to call a metaphorical headache. My stomach hurts just thinking about this review. I'm seriously scared. I did my first semester at CCA and had one , my first, Graphic Design class. I won't lie. I did pretty well. I got an A and was one of the better students in the class. Not the best in my opinion, but the teacher felt I had a lot of skill and promise as a future designer. This all sounds good. This all sounds fine. But then I left CCA and I went to Sac City where I did one design related class and produced pure shit. This was embarrassing because my teacher at City actually went to grad school at CCA with my CCA teacher who had (unknowing to me) emailed her and said I had been one of his best students! Basically, I don't know if I have it in me. If I don't, and I shouldn't be pursuing Graphic Design...well then what should I be doing? Not to mention that is something I've got to figure out ASAP. I suppose after this first quarter I could change my mind and switch to Media Studies or Marketing, something that requires less natural talent that I may or may not actually have. O god. Why do I do this to myself?

Music: CBC Radio 3 (Canadian Radio Channel I decided to listen to because Graham Wright of Tokyo Police Club was hosting some other guy's hour)

Double-Double

The past week I've been SUPER busy. Sarah and I went to Outside Lands Music Festival and then immediately the morning after my parents and I drove to Portland. I definitely went balls to the wall on that one.





Outside Lands was exhausting, but FANTASTIC! Friday night we got to see Tokyo Police Club (finally!!!) at Rickshaw Stop, a smaller venue, and then Saturday and Sunday we saw so many amazing performances!! Saturday: Tokyo Police Club, The Strokes, Cat Power, the Levon Helms Band, Langhorne Slim, etc. Sunday: Phoenix (who I've decided gets my Best of Festival Award), Al Green, Temper Trap, Kings of Leon, THe Soft Pack. It all went by so quickly, but I honestly had a really, really, really great time and am so glad that we got to go! And after 2 days of pretty much living off of the muffins, chex mix, and odwalla bars we brought, In-n-out Burger never tasted better. Such dedication!

Day 5: A Picture of your Morning
This is a picture of yesterday morning, at the hotel in Portland. We woke up at 6 to drive home from Portland. The reason for the quick trip was for orientation. It wasn't what i would call fun, but a lot of business got taken care of. I registered for classes and figured out all the shit i need to do in the next 4 years. This last semester was so lax and weird that i was reminded of all the hard work i'm going to need to do. It's half exciting and half scary. I hope I haven't lost it.

Music: Last Nite - The Strokes

Day 4: Where You Went Today

So, obviously this is not where I went TODAY. But it is where I went for the last 5 days. My family and I took our annual trip to the foggy northern coast of California. Some might think the place looks dreary and be deterred by its rural nature (patchy, awful cell service, and only in certain places and no internet in our house) but I love the place. I've grown up my whole life visiting the north coast and I prefer its chilly waters and windy coves to the burning hot sands and bikinis of Southern California beaches.

And this is my younger brother Tim, sleeping in the car. I know. I'm awful! I really should have taken more pictures on this trip. I'll take more on the next one. Friday Sarah and I are headed to San Francisco (my favorite place) for Outside Lands Music Festival.

Music: 12:51 - The Strokes

By the Sea

Tomorrow I'm leaving for family vacation in Mendicino. My family has a house there. I'll be back on Tuesday and then Sarah and I are leaving on Friday for San Francisco. We're going to Outside Lands Music Festival. Immediately after that, on the next Monday, I'm heading to Portland with my parents for my orientation. I'll try my best to blog about this string of adventures as they happen.

Music: The Harrowing Adventures of... - Tokyo Police Club

Reynoldstravaganza!

Today we (Sarah, Christy, Katie, Elsie and I) had Ryan Reynoldstravaganza! It was overall a great success, although we did only watch one Ryan Reynolds film. The main goal was to honor and admire Ryan Reynolds and his attractiveness, as well as eat delicious mesican food and have fun. All goals were achieved during the following activities:
1. Early dinner at Midtown Taqueria (on J St just past Big Spoon, for those of you who live in Sacramento and are interested). This was the delicious mexican food.
2. A trip to Target. Although Target is remodeling, and currently feels like Wal Mart, we still had fun. Oddly enough none of us bought anything.
3. Headed back to my house to watch Definitely, Maybe. A great movie if I don't say so myself. We also watched The Proposal the night before. Both are great, and I don't usually like Romantic Comedies (RomComs, as Sarah dubs them) so that is really saying something! I'm sure Ryan Reynolds' attractiveness has something to do with it ;D

Music: Come As You Are - Nirvana

Day 3: A PIcture of What You Did Today

So I didn't actually draw that today. I drew it last night. This is the first time I've drawn since I left CCA, and I obviously am pretty out of practice but I'm still fairly proud with the way this turned out. Photobooth is obviously not the best way to showcase anything, but you get the main idea. The reason I posted it as something I did today is because its a drawing of a photo of one of my best, oldest friends, Brian. He just got back from summer school in Santa Barbara and I finally got to see him after 6 long weeks! We had one of our classic chats about anything and everything. And then I had to go to work. Typical!

Music: Howl - Florence and The Machine

Sassy!

Day 2: Picture of What You Wore Today

I love these boat neck, huge, comfy shirts that just make you feel floaty and relaxed. The serious colors on this one make me want winter weather a little bit.


I'm sure you're tired of looking at me. Sorry.

Music: Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap
P.S. I'm so psyched for Outside Lands!
P.P.S. I don't think I mentioned that I finally got an iphone :D

Day 1: A picture of yourself.

I found this 30 day photo challenge online. I decided to use it as a photo-posting guide. I'll try to follow it and post one as often as i can.
Day 1 is Post a photo of yourself. Here is my most recent portrait.


In other news, Job #1 (the one at my high school) officially ended today. I'm so happy. I was starting to get really sick of it.
If you haven't seen Inception, you need to. Literally one of the best movies I've ever seen.

Music: I Don't Blame You - Cat Power

Yea Boi

This weekend I did something similar to what I discussed in my last post: I went on a trip to the Bay Area and had carefree, spontaneous fun. The trip was planned. I went to see my friend Lydia in Oakland on Friday, Sini in Orinda on Saturday, and Abe in Berkeley on Sunday, and then my grandparents for dinner before I headed home. I had loose plans with each of them and each hang out went beyond my expectations as we rolled with whatever came our way. Things ended up being not only really fun, but even more awesome fun than i had expected. I did get to release some of that youthful energy I felt being wasted previously. I drove with the windows open and the music loud. I got lost and found my way back without freaking out. I smoke, I drank , I ate. I smiled at the fun I was having while I was having it.
I shall now go catch up on the sleep i missed this weekend. Worth it :D

Music: I Feel Just Like a Child - Devendra Banhart

We Are Young

A few minutes ago I was browsing photos of some of my friends (for all intents and purposes) on a recent trip they took to Europe. They just packed a few bags, went around, saw what they wanted to see, met people, and had loads of fun soaking up culture and experiencing visceral life experiences. I want to do that! I feel like although i have learned a lot in the past year, it has been nothing but difficult and full of harsh decisions, being/feeling stuck, and a lot of waiting. Alas, I continue to wait for the stage in my life where things are in line, going somewhat steadily forward, and I have the opportunity to just do whatever I want, when I want. I might sound jaded, but that is only because I do feel kind of jaded. I'm young and I feel like the prime years of my life are slipping away from me. These years should be spent exploring, experimenting, experiencing, not sitting and thinking, watching, or worrying. I want to be a little reckless and for it to be ok. But perhaps that is just it. Perhaps I've been playing it too safe. Perhaps I'm just letting fear get the best of me and that is all that prevents me from taking an impromptu trip somewhere, sacrificing a few sleepless nights in the name of fun, and breathing air the way it was meant to be breathed, slowly so that I can taste everything.

I obviously don't have all of the answers, but I know I've got to do something about this. I'm tired of being idle. I feel as though I've been settling and my life is becoming mediocre and that is something I am surely not ok with.

Music: Dog Days Are Over - Florence and the Machine

VIVA LA ESPANA!

WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS!!!!!!

I've been rooting for Spain from the beginning (thanks to a quiz in SI). I came close to giving up hope when they were fated to face Germamy, who had previously dominated all of their other opponents. Thank god i didn't! I'm so proud of Spain for pulling through!!!!

P.S. Them being ridiculously good looking probably helps ;D

Music: We Are The Champions - Queen

Whoopsies!

I realize that I've been quite possibly the most awful blogger lately. I've just been so busy with working 2 jobs. Any spare time i get is spent hanging out with friends or catching up on much needed sleep! I'm declaring an OFFICIAL HIATUS of sorts. Yes, there will be the occasional post when i have time and actually remember to get to it, but my time seems to be greatly consumed!

Things that have happened lately:
1)Eclipse: Twilight Saga premier: A few of my friends and i honored our Twlilight tradition and went to the midnight showing of Eclipse (the latest Twilight Saga movie). We had a lot of fun amongst the pandemonium, trampling little girls to get good seats, and ogling gorgeous Rob Pattinson and Taylor Lautner the entire time! I personally am in a fit about Taylor Lautner. He is so beautiful!
2)4th of July: What an intense, but fun/satisfying day! First I slept in and went to lunch with my parents. After that i had to head to the Lake Natoma Inn where my cousin Jessica was getting married. The wedding was actually pretty fun and sweet. This was my first time participating in one. I was a bridesmaid, complete with awful, hot pink dress and matching wedges...haha! But after the wedding (and a wardrobe change) I got to go spend some time with my friends. We played games and just laughed. Laughing is always good. Later that night i headed to a party with a larger crowd where i got to see some of the people i very much enjoy but don't see that often. All in all, great day/night.
3)I'm steadily working on the iPhone front. It's looking good ;D

Unfortunately I don't really have any pictures of any of that. So sorry.

Happy 4th!!!

I realize they aren't even American...hahha. But i'll post something more substantial later!

I've been a shitty blogger lately partially because I am so busy and partially because I haven't really been focused. But lots has been happening. Here are some mini blogs:

1) Friday i went to my cousin Jessica's bachelorette party. It was half awkward and half really fun. Awkward because I was with my cousins (who are pretty older than me) and the main decoration/theme/etc was penises. They were literally everywhere... But it was fun because I feel like i bonded with them and my cousin's friends are pretty fun i guess.
2) I saw Toy Story 3 on Saturday. I really want to write a full blog about that so look for that in the near future.
3) WTF was up with the US v. Ghana soccer game?!?!??! Yea, way to go USA. I so wish that i lived in a country that was unbelievably good at soccer. Whatever.
4) Sunday my friends and I had a picnic in the park. Minus the 100 degree weather it was quite a hit i think. I love summer activities like that, even though i don't really like summer weather when i don't have a swimming pool.
5) I've calculated everything and I can afford an iphone! I'm so excited. I just have to work out the details with my Dad when he gets home!


I want this!

Music: Heartbeats - The Knife

Coffee Break

Remember how I was unemployed and desperately seeking a job? Yea, well contrary to my usual luck, I suddenly got not one, but TWO jobs which began on Tuesday. That is partially why I have not been blogging/tweeting/tumbling/etc. very much.
My first job is from 8AM-1PM at my high school. One of the math teachers there works for a textbook company and is filming an instructional video about teaching strategies. I get to pretend I'm a high school student learning math. It is kind of ironic because math is by far my least favorite and worst subject. But the pay is pretty decent, it is temporary, I can't really get fired, and it still allows me to work at my other job.
My second job is at my dad's office. I go there immediately after Job #1 and work until 4PM. At this job all i do so far is literally enter products into Amazon.com. It is boring and I get paid minimum wage, but I am comfortable at my dad's office and honestly any money I can make is really helpful.
In addition, I've sold a few books on Amazon myself. Let's hope that the cash keeps flowing! I really need it.

Music: Breakneck Speed - Tokyo Police Club

P.s. I saw Get Him To the Greek again!!! And i bought My Bookie Wook, Russell Brand's autobiography.

I Object!

For those of you who are recently 18 or older, i'd like to remind you of a little something called "civic duty", or more specifically jury duty. Jury duty is an obligatory task, often seen as dreadful, that we Americans are forced to participate in approximately every 18 months once we become eligible (by law; yes, you will get charged and/or arrested for not showing up) as a payment to our lovely system of democracy. I recently had the pleasure of serving on my first ever jury, and I've gotta say, it really wasn't too bad. I got an inside look at our judicial system, learned that TV does not exactly present an accurate portrayal, saw a lot of interesting people, feel proud to have served my civic duty, and learned some things about lawyers.

What are some common thoughts about lawyers? They make a lot of money to screw people, they argue about everything, they are uptight from working too much, etc, etc. Well here is a little list of things I learned about lawyers as I observed them during my jury duty.
1. They are TOO smart. It is true that lawyers are very smart. They have to be clever, think on their toes, be level headed in the face of problems, have a large vocabulary, and deal with often difficult people. When they speak to witnesses on the stand (and even jurors in the jury box) they seem to have a lot of missed connections. The ghetto lady testifying that her boyfriend beat her up is saying "he jumped me" but no counselor, she is not referring to him actually jumping on her as Webster's Dictionary would define it. I'm sorry, you are just too smart to understand.
2. They wear a lot of grey/odd things. Before entering the courthouse, I had never seen that many grey pant/dress suits in my life. I suppose grey is a strong neutral that makes them appear strong and neutral...? Yea, let's go with that one. Males spruce it up their best with metallic colored ties and women with pastel colored button-up shirts. Obviously I'd struggle with the limited wardrobe options.
3. Most lawyers probably look WAY hotter outside of work. If someone is forced to wear grey pant suits all day, i could imagine that their "casual clothes" would take full advantage of their freedom. I can just tell that when those women let their hair down, it is long, flowing, and styled, much different than the bland ponytail they sport in the court room. I would at least hope they look a lot better outside of court, because they have oh so much potential.
4. Lawyers make a lot of money for 2 reasons: One, their job is actually very demanding. Two, they have to pay for those expensive suits (not to mention their student loans for law school).

Music: Alejandro - Lady Gaga (check out that video!)